title: Geometric control of cell migration.
abstract: Morphological polarization involving changes in cell shape and redistribution of cellular signaling machinery, initiate the migration of mammalian cells. Golgi complex typically localizes in front of the nucleus, and this frontwards polarization has been proposed to be involved in directional migration. However, the sequence of events remains unresolved. Does Golgi polarization precede directional migration or vice-versa? We address this question by constraining cells to specific areas and shapes then tracking their motile behavior and the spatio-temporal distribution of Golgi apparatus upon release. Results show that while the position of the Golgi complex depends on the cell geometry, the subcellular localization of the Golgi complex does not define the cell's leading edge. Cells constrained within elongated geometries exhibit polarized extension of lamellipodia and upon release, migrate preferentially along the long axis of the cell. Minimally constrained cells released from larger areas however, exhibit retarded migration regardless of lamellipodia protrusion activity.
authors.affiliation: Chemical & Materials Engineering Program, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45221-0012, USA.
authors.forename: Bo
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Girish
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Kumar
authors.forename: Carlos C
authors.initials: CC
authors.lastname: Co
authors.forename: Chia-Chi
authors.initials: CC
authors.lastname: Ho
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002465:Cell Movement / Q000502:physiology*; D016764:Cell Polarity; D022081:Cell Surface Extensions / Q000378:metabolism*; D005455:Fluorescent Antibody Technique; D006056:Golgi Apparatus / Q000378:metabolism*; D051379:Mice; D041681:NIH 3T3 Cells; D011108:Polymers / Q000737:chemistry*; D015398:Signal Transduction
chemical_list: D011108:Polymers; C002189:polyelectrolyte 60